Cam followers are power-transmission devices with a rotary bearing core that bears load while serving as the interface between independently moving machine sections. Applications include those on rotary indexing tables and turntable conveyors, long-stroke robot transfer units (RTUs), and an array of highly customized machinery. The outer diameter (OD) of the cam-follower bearing assembly is […]
igus unveils new quick-fill energy chain
The new E4Q energy chain from igus can be opened and closed in seconds without tools and has been specifically developed for the special requirements of unsupported lengths and long travels. igus, the Germany-based manufacturer of motion plastics, unveiled a prototype of the new E4Q in April at Hannover Messe. The chain links have a […]
From the archives: HIWIN’s Datorker at Automate and the Robotic Summit
Robots aren’t all humanoid and SCARA; some take the form of linear-motion arrangements. In fact, we’ve covered how Cartesian arrangements in particular offer better energy efficiency and price points than more stereotypical robotic arrangements. You’ll get copious amount of information on such linear designs and technologies at the 2019 Robotics Summit (on commercial-robotics design, development, […]
SCHNEEBERGER Inc. expands sales department with White, Guzman, and Trompeter
Anticipating an upcoming surge in the demand for their high-precision, customized linear technology solutions, SCHNEEBERGER, Inc., the USA-based company, part of the SCHNEEBERGER Group, has announced the expansion of their USA sales team. According to SCHNEEBERGER USA General Manager Linda Aylward, the new members will bring with them decades of relevant industry experience as well […]
Electric cylinders with programmable MDrive integrated motors
Captive shaft electric cylinders are now available for Lexium MDrive (LMD) integrated motor products. Quiet, clean and compact, these LMD products from Schneider Electric Motion USA integrate motor, controls, and electric cylinder to deliver linear motion. Unlike pneumatics, there’s no need for compressed air … eliminating that expense, maintenance, and noise. Lexium MDrive products integrate […]
Thomson creates online industrial linear-actuator sizing and selection tool
Thomson Industries, Inc. now offers a new Linear MOTIONEERING online tool that helps design engineers accurately size and select electric linear actuators. The powerful, self-service functionality of the tool provides an interactive series of questions, making it easier for users to benefit from Thomson’s extensive application engineering knowledge base. The online questionnaire starts with an […]
High-resolution absolute encoder from SIKO
The new MSA213C high-resolution absolute sensor from SIKO satisfies the requirements for sensors used for position detection in automation and drive technology. It supplies the absolute position at any time without referencing and without requiring a backup battery. Plus, with its small design and many different interfaces, it can be integrated into the system and […]
New lead screw configurator from igus allows for quick design
igus has developed a new lead screw configurator that allows users to quickly design their own lead screw and associated drawing without in-depth technical knowledge and CAD software. Designing a lead screw usually requires significant effort for the user, who is required to have technical drawing skills and access to a CAD program. The new […]
Miniature linear translation stages in X, XY, and XYZ configurations
The new L-505 linear translation stage family from PI (Physik Instrumente) is available with integrated linear encoders providing 0.05 microns and 0.005 microns resolution, respectively. The new design allows for compact multi-axis assemblies, at affordable prices. Many motor and drive variations are available, from fast dc-servo motors with linear encoders and low-friction ball-screws to simple […]
Motion Trends: Linear bearings help some CNC machine builders trim cost
Axes on CNC machines to allow spindle movements are mission critical — requiring high accuracy. But doors and other linear axes have different design requirements — with forgiveness and ruggedness being priority instead. Now, linear bearings from Rollon Corp. help some CNC machine builders trim cost and improve reliability by satisfying these unique design requirements. […]
Linear motion trends in slides: Robotics and mobile designs lead the charge
Demand for simple-to-install and pre-integrated linear-slide systems continues unabated … especially in applications only recently automated. Here’s the perspective of Matt Mowry, North American market manager for drylin products at igus: “We’ve supplied fully assembled and customized linear-slide tables … complete with motors and accessories. We’ve also supplied custom-extruded linear profiles and bearing liners to […]
igus belt drive actuator lowers automation costs
New lubrication- and maintenance-free toothed belt drive actuators from igus can significantly reduce the costs of automation tasks such as pick-and-place, inspection, and assembly applications. High speeds, high load and precise positioning accuracy are not required in every application, such as format adjustment and vision system positioning. Many solutions in the market are oversize, however, […]
Festo at Automate 2019: OEM productivity-boosting solutions
Festo is showing electric and pneumatic motion-automation solutions at Automate 2019 April 8 to 11 at McCormick Place in Chicago — Booth 8151. Productivity-enhancing solutions include company-wide component interoperability and online tools for designing subassemblies that slash OEM engineering overhead and reduce delivery time. With the Festo Handling Guide Online, engineers can design single-axis or […]
Linear motor stage offers long travel, nanometer resolution
The new V-417.336025E1 long travel linear motor stage from PI (Physik Instrumente) features travel length of 32 in. (813 mm). The direct-drive stage achieves high velocities to 79 in./sec (2 m/sec) based on a direct drive ironless linear servo motor. High accuracy, repeatability, and functionality are guaranteed by an integrated absolute-measuring linear position encoder featuring […]
Update on roller-screw actuator design and applications (with video and image galleries)
Roller screws are also called planetary roller screws or sometimes satellite roller screws for how their nut-encased rollers orbit the drive-shaft axis during operation. These mechanical rotary-to-linear devices work in an increasing number of electromechanical actuators. Satellite roller-screw geometry includes far more internal contact between load-bearing subcomponents than their ballscrew cousins, and that boosts rigidity […]
Cannabis cultivation leverages modular automation stations
By Michael G. Giunta • National sales manager | Macron Dynamics Uninitiated laymen might assume today’s cannabis is grown through traditional farming — over horizontal outdoor spaces in natural environments managed by Mother Nature. But large-scale cannabis farming is typically indoors and highly automated. That’s for a couple reasons: • Security is a major concern […]
Motion Trends: Applications expand for versatile lead screws
Improvements in lead screw designs have meant screws that are increasingly competitive with other types of drive screws, including ball screws. For instance, lead screws can offer shorter lead times and better performance, all at a lower cost than other screw technologies. Quite a few lead screw manufacturers offer a range of anti-backlash options, superior […]
New 20-mm linear stepper motor now available from Nippon Pulse
Nippon Pulse now sells the the PFL20 Linearstep — its smallest linear stepper motor yet. The PFL20 is a highly efficient, high thrust tin-can linear actuator with a 20-mm diameter and a bipolar winding. PFL20 is RoHS-compliant, has a 30/60-mm effective stroke, and can reach 6 N of force at 200 pps. With 24 steps […]
Motion Trends: Ball screws pack more load capacity
Continued developments in manufacturing and materials have improved ball screw performance, with the most recent generation of ball screws having greater load densities than ever before, leading to higher load capacities. High-load ball screws are being integrated into electromechanical linear actuator systems for use in applications with higher loads and more demanding environmental conditions. In […]
Application example: Ladders on construction machinery use actuators for better ergonomics
90% of small U.S. construction companies have safety programs, but only a third have programs to improve the ergonomics of workers’ environments. It’s too bad, because the risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) is especially high in construction workers. Plus annual wage and salary losses are estimated at $46 million for the U.S. private-construction sector. Workers […]
Electric actuators displace other motion options — including manual designs: A Motion Trends report
Today, electric actuators are easier than ever to specify and install. Value-add services from component suppliers as well as application-specific actuator product lines (especially for battery-powered designs in mobile equipment and consumer use) eliminate many integration tasks for OEMs and end users. These are trends supported in part by a movement Design World has tracked […]
New technologies and applications for linear motors
Depending on the exact technology, typical linear motors can deliver unlimited strokes and (with feedback) accuracies to ±1 μm/100 mm. Speeds range from inches to 1,000s of inches per second. Semiconductor manufacture and assembly as well as machine-tool applications continue to account for the majority of linear-motor applications. However, increased focus on efficiency is spurring […]
Renishaw’s new easy-to-install incremental encoder
Renishaw has launched a new encoder family for linear axes, which offers exceptionally wide installation tolerances and axis speeds of up to 24 meters per second. The QUANTiC encoder series produces a digital signal output directly from the readhead and eliminates the requirement for additional bulky external interfaces. This ground-breaking approach was first used for […]
Motion Trends: Stages, Cartesian robots, and tables for complete motion designs
New trends in multi-axis motion designs abound. Consider the rise of metrology reports to accompany designs — which serve as “birth certificates” in the form of well-informed simulation models and Excel spreadsheets that quantify the accuracy and capabilities of pre-engineered builds. In some cases, such reports give OEMs and end users accurate data on how […]
LINAK US launches new video series on linear-actuator technology
Now in a new Anatomy of Actuation video series, LINAK engineers help design engineers understand the features and technologies available with its actuator solutions. Two linear-motion experts — Hunter Stephenson and Anthony Fossaluzza — discuss linear-motion feedback, the LINAK Integrated Controller platform, and the BusLink software in an easy-to-understand format. Engineers explain BusLink software This video explains […]